I guess I would be "coined" as the "idiot of the group" I use a preschool program that I discovered over the years and wouldnt change a thing. I ask the parents to help a little with the cost and the kids LOVE it. When the children hit the age of about 3yrs (for most kids) they have heard of "school" and want to go...I take them. The program that I use is made really well, and contains EVERYTHING you need to have a "day at school" the only thing I have to do is a little prep work, I have tried setting up my own stuff in the past and...well, its just too much work (for me). This program is adorable! It comes in a box that looks like a school bus and when the delivery man brings it..the kids JUMP FOR JOY! It's so worth the money. lessons, crafts, activities to spark! Every month has a theme. I manage to save a little by dragging the month out for two instead, we have a "slow paced education"